EU blocks British bid to slap sanctions on Russia for ‘sickening atrocities’ in Aleppo

Theresa May wanted to freeze assets and slap travel bans on military and Kremlin chiefs

BY TOM NEWTON DUNN

21st October 2016, 6:22 pm

Updated: 21st October 2016, 6:56 pm

THE EU stood aside yesterday and let a Russian armada steam to Syria after Britain’s bid to target its generals with tough sanctions was torpedoed.

Alongside France and Germany, Prime Minister Theresa May mounted a push for new measures to freeze assets and slap travel bans on military and Kremlin chiefs responsible for what she dubbed "sickening atrocities" in besieged Aleppo.

EPA

Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov in the English Channel

But after six hours of late night talks at a Brussels summit, southern and eastern European states lead by Italy blocked the move.

The humiliation came on Trafalgar Day yesterday – the annual date when the Royal Navy celebrates Nelson’s heroic victory against the French in 1805.

As the summit ended, Mrs May last night insisted it is “vital we keep up the pressure on Russia”.

And she put on a brave face when questioned by The Sun if she had wanted to achieve more.

Getty Images

Putins forces have been pounding civilian areas in Aleppo

The PM said: “We had a very good discussion and we very clear about Russia and the need for the EU to have all options open".

Downing Street aides revealed Mrs May had feared heavy opposition to their plan.

A senior No10 source said: “We are realistic. We expected a battle before we got into the room”.

MPs last night lashed out at Italy for leading the block, and openly accused the Mediterranean country of appeasement.

Campaigning Labour MP John Woodcock said: "This deplorable Putin appeasement from Italy smacks of their shameful conduct in the Second World War.
"We cannot the craven weakness of others to hold back the tough action needed to stop the Russian slaughter."

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